This paper presents the findings of research on the factors that influenced stateless refugees from Syria choosing Germany or Sweden as the country within which they sought asylum. Thirty-three in-depth interviews were carried out during 2017 in the two countries. These focused on why they chose the country, the reasoning behind this and when the decision was made.

The findings show that there was a very high degree of destination specificity towards Sweden for nearly all the participants. This was based on the desire to reach the country due to its very accessible citizenship, thus allowing them to resolve their statelessness.

The research details how many of the refugees had conducted comparative research, or drew on information from social networks, to establish in which European country they could most easily and quickly acquire citizenship.

For those in Germany, who were not there due to being caught on route to Sweden, economic, educational and chain migration and limited choice played a more significant role. The research finds that in order to better understand the migration of stateless refugees, their desire to resolve their statelessness should be considered.

The Migration Seminars Spring 2018

The seminars are held in English and take place (if nothing else is mentioned) Thursdays at 14.15-16.00 at MIM Room C0929/Library, 9th floor, Niagara, Nordenskiöldsgatan 1, Malmö University. Gathering for the seminar at sharp 14.05 at the ground floor next to the Reception in Niagara.